Exodus 22:14

And if a man borrow [ought] of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof [being] not with it, he shall surely make [it] good.

And if a man {H376} borrow {H7592} ought of his neighbour {H7453}, and it be hurt {H7665}, or die {H4191}, the owner {H1167} thereof being not with it {H5973}, he shall surely {H7999} make it good {H7999}.

"If someone borrows something from his neighbor, and it gets injured or dies with the owner not present, he must make restitution.

If a man borrows an animal from his neighbor and it is injured or dies while its owner is not present, he must make full restitution.

And if a man borrow aught of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof not being with it, he shall surely make restitution.

Commentary

Exodus 22:14 details a specific civil law concerning the responsibility of a borrower for damaged or lost property. This verse is part of a larger section of Israelite law known as the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 21-23), which outlines various statutes for daily life and justice within the community God was establishing.

Context

In ancient Israel, an agricultural society, borrowing livestock (like an ox or a donkey) for work, travel, or other purposes was common. This law addresses scenarios where such borrowed property is harmed or dies while in the borrower's care, specifically when the owner is not present. The preceding verses (Exodus 22:10-13) discuss similar issues concerning animals entrusted to a neighbor for keeping, highlighting different levels of liability based on circumstances like theft by a third party or the presence of the owner during an incident.

Key Themes

  • Borrower's Responsibility: The primary theme is the accountability of the person who borrows. When an item is borrowed, the borrower assumes a significant degree of care and responsibility for its well-being.
  • Restitution and Reparation: The phrase "he shall surely make it good" emphasizes the principle of full restitution for damages or loss. This ensures that the owner is compensated for their loss and that justice is served.
  • Protection of Property Rights: This statute, like many in the Mosaic Law, safeguards the property rights of individuals, ensuring that acts of borrowing do not lead to uncompensated loss for the lender.
  • Fairness in Dealings: The law promotes fair and honorable interactions within the community, encouraging trust while also establishing clear guidelines for liability.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "make it good" is shalem (שָׁל֡ם), which means to restore, make whole, or pay back. It conveys the idea of complete compensation, ensuring the owner is put back in the position they were in before the loss or damage occurred. This principle of shalem is fundamental to Old Testament justice, emphasizing restoration and wholeness.

Practical Application

While specific to ancient Israelite society, the underlying principles of Exodus 22:14 remain highly relevant today:

  • Stewardship and Accountability: We are called to be good stewards not only of our own possessions but also of anything entrusted to our care, whether borrowed, rented, or simply looked after. This applies to physical items, resources, and even responsibilities.
  • Honesty and Integrity: The law underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in all our dealings. If we cause damage or loss, we are morally and often legally obligated to make amends.
  • Clear Agreements: This verse implicitly highlights the value of clear understandings when borrowing or lending. While not explicitly stated here, knowing the terms and responsibilities beforehand can prevent disputes.
  • Respect for Others' Property: It reinforces the biblical command to not steal and to respect what belongs to others, extending to the care of borrowed items.

In essence, Exodus 22:14 teaches a timeless lesson about personal responsibility and the importance of making right what has been wronged, fostering a just and trustworthy community.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 21:34 (4 votes)

    The owner of the pit shall make [it] good, [and] give money unto the owner of them; and the dead [beast] shall be his.

  • Deuteronomy 23:19 (4 votes)

    Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

  • Deuteronomy 23:20 (4 votes)

    Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

  • Deuteronomy 15:2 (4 votes)

    And this [is] the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth [ought] unto his neighbour shall release [it]; he shall not exact [it] of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release.

  • Leviticus 24:18 (4 votes)

    And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.

  • Exodus 22:11 (3 votes)

    [Then] shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbour's goods; and the owner of it shall accept [thereof], and he shall not make [it] good.

  • Luke 6:35 (3 votes)

    But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.